ESPN RISE

BOYS' TEAM OF THE YEAR

BRENTWOOD
Soccer
The 2008 season could not have gone any better for coach Ron Eden's crew. The Indians finished a perfect year No. 1 in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 and they could be just as good in 2009. Brentwood went 24-0 and claimed its first state title since 1989. The team's top three players are juniors, led by Newsday's Player of the Year, forward Joseph Lopez. He had a school-record 25 goals and added 12 assists. Classmates Hancell Guevara (forward) and Andrew Jean- Baptiste (midfielder) were also Newsday All-Long Island picks.

OTHER FINALISTS

IONA PREP
Football
The Gaels went 12-0, defeating perennial power St. Anthony's twice, including in the AAA title game, 48-35. In that contest, junior RB Jeff Mack rushed for 396 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior QB Tyrae Woodson-Samuels also starred.

RICE
Basketball
After trouncing Lincoln and Lance Stephenson, 77-50, in the state Federation semifinals, the Raiders avoided a major upset with a 70-68 overtime triumph over Newburgh Free Academy. Seniors Durand Scott and James Stukes led the way.

SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER
Cross Country
Led by senior Bobby Andrews  Newsday's Runner of the Year  SWR placed second at the Class B state meet and then third at the state Federation meet. Andrews was fourth and eighth, respectively, at the two meets.

GIRLS' TEAM OF THE YEAR

GARDEN CITY
Field Hockey
The Trojans' domination this year is almost incomprehensible. They outscored opponents by the must-be-a-misprint score of 105-4 en route to a 21-0 record and a state championship. Garden City boasted Newsday's Long Island Player of the Year in junior forward Eleni Andromidas, who had 19 goals and 14 assists. Other Newsday All-Long Island picks included senior defender Emily Norell (headed to Northeastern) and junior midfielder Mariah Pewarski (12 goals, 18 assists).

OTHER FINALISTS

BAY SHORE
Cross Country
By finishing fourth at the Class AA state meet and 11th at Federation, Bay Shore was the area's top team. Seniors Kim Moran and Stephanie Barnes, sophomore Kathryn Glynn and junior Megan O'Donovan led the way.

EAST ISLIP
Soccer
The Redmen earned their first trip to the state tournament and had a perfect 19-0 record until losing in the state semifinals. Fantastic freshman Cari Roccaro paced the offensive attack with 16 goals and eight assists.

ST. MICHAEL
Basketball
The Eagles were known to get close but never seal the deal. Not anymore. With a 62-58 win over three-time defending champ Murry Bergtraum in the Class AA state Federation finals, Apache Paschall's squad reached the top.